After years of speculation, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon’s succession plan is reportedly becoming clearer, with insiders suggesting the banking giant is preparing for a leadership transition within the next few years.Sources familiar with the matter say Dimon plans to remain CEO for up to three more years, with the company expected to choose his successor from newly appointed co-presidents Troy Rohrbaugh and Doug Petno. While no final decision has been made, executives inside the firm view Rohrbaugh as the leading contender.Rohrbaugh’s recent move from JPMorgan’s commercial and investment banking division to oversee the company’s massive consumer business is seen as a key signal that he is being positioned for the top job. After stepping down as CEO, Dimon is expected to become executive chairman, a role he has previously discussed.Over the years, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has talked many times about succession - but a date to hand over the baton seemed elusive. This time, sources said, the plan is real (AFP/Getty)The transition would answer one of Wall Street’s biggest unanswered questions: who will replace the executive who transformed JPMorgan into the largest and one of the most profitable banks in the United States.Shareholders say they are prepared for Dimon’s eventual departure but want a smooth handoff. Walter Todd, chief investment officer at Greenwood Capital, which owns JPMorgan shares, said the succession process must be “very clearly laid out and handled seamlessly.”Dimon has spoken openly about the bank’s leadership pipeline, recently highlighting JPMorgan’s “deep bench” of talent. While the CEO could remain in place for as long as three years, one source said the bank could name a successor sooner, potentially within two to two-and-a-half years.Shareholders are prepared for Dimon to finally hand over, but want it to be done as smoothly as possible (AFP/Getty)The timeline creates challenges of its own. Executives warn that a long waiting period could increase the risk of losing top candidates to other opportunities. JPMorgan has already provided multimillion-dollar retention packages to four senior leaders, including Rohrbaugh and Petno, to retain key talent.The bank has previously seen high-profile executives leave during Dimon’s tenure, including Matt Zames, Charlie Scharf and Bill Demchak, who went on to leadership roles elsewhere.If either Rohrbaugh or Petno proves ready quickly, JPMorgan could accelerate the transition. Rohrbaugh is viewed by some insiders as the current favorite because of his track record as a trader, though others argue Petno should not be overlooked given his experience leading major deals and businesses.President Donald Trump (2nd L) greets JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon (L) and other guests at the beginning of a policy forum in the State Dining Room at the White House February 3, 2017 (Getty)Rohrbaugh, 56, joined JPMorgan in 2005 after beginning his career in foreign exchange trading. Moving into the CEO role would require him to oversee the bank’s consumer division, including branches, credit cards and mortgages, which accounts for a significant share of JPMorgan’s revenue.Petno, 61, has spent 35 years at JPMorgan and now leads the commercial and investment bank. His division includes global banking, markets, payments and securities services, making him one of the most powerful executives at the firm.A faster transition would mirror rival Morgan Stanley’s approach, where Ted Pick was named CEO more than two years after being appointed co-president.Despite the looming leadership change, investors remain confident in Dimon’s continued influence. Eric Kuby, chief investment officer at North Star Investment Management, said JPMorgan’s stock carries a premium partly because of the “Dimon factor.”“The longer he is steering the ship, the better,” Kuby said, reflecting the confidence many investors still place in Dimon as the bank prepares for its next era.